The Cleveland Browns enter the offseason with huge questions at quarterback, DE Myles Garrett requesting a trade and salary cap limitations. Rumors coming out of the NFL combine were that the Browns are focused on drafting QB Cam Ward with the second overall pick, but could those have just been smoke since they do not own the top overall selection?

While it still seems inevitable that Kirk Cousins will be Cleveland’s veteran quarterback addition this offseason, the fate of the Browns pick at the top of the NFL draft is far more important long term. Ward being targeted by the New York Giants in a trade up with the Tennessee Titans hit the rumor mill while the NFL combine was ongoing.

Getting that to happen could be the reason Cleveland has let everyone know they want Ward with the second overall pick:

What is the end game for letting everyone know what they are doing? It could give the Tennessee Titans a lot of leverage or force a team like the New York Giants to trade ahead of Cleveland

Maybe that is what the Browns want

The rumors of the Giants trading up have only strengthened since everyone left Indianapolis:

The idea that it is “likely” is interesting wording but makes sense given that the Giants tried to trade for QB Matthew Stafford and were willing to sign him to a big deal.

If Ward is indeed off the board with the first pick, the Browns could pivot to QB Shedeur Sanders, DE Abdul Carter or WR/CB Travis Hunter. It is also possible Cleveland could push to trade up one spot with the Titans as well.

Are you buying the Giants/Titans rumor? Should the Browns move up to #1 to get Ward? How do you think this ends at the end of April?

Share your thoughts below